Judge Puts Hiring of Attorneys On Hold

Law360, New York (June 20, 2008, 12:00 AM EDT) -- A judge issued a temporary restraining order Thursday barring an attempt by the District of Columbia attorney general's office to fire lawyers because of performance issues and budget cuts.

Judge Melvin Wright of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia granted the order in court on Thursday, according to the docket. It will remain in effect until Thursday, when a hearing is scheduled before Judge Jennifer Anderson.

The attorney general's office, led by interim Attorney General Peter Nickles, fired eight lawyers last month.